The appeal and reviews of "xxxHOLiC◆Tsugu": A thorough analysis of the sequel's profound worldview

A comprehensive review and recommendation of xxxHOLiC◆経 - Holic Kei -

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

comics

■ Broadcast period

April 3, 2008 - June 26, 2008
TBS April 3, 2008 to June 26, 2008 (Episodes 1 to 13) Every Thursday 25:25 to 25:55
CBC April 10, 2008 to July 3, 2008 (Episodes 1 to 13) Every Thursday 27:00 to 27:30
MBS April 19, 2008 to July 26, 2008 (Episodes 1 to 13) Every Saturday 27:25 to 27:55
BS-i April 24, 2008 to July 17, 2008 (Episodes 1 to 13) Every Thursday 24:30 to 25:00

■Broadcasting station

TBS, MBS

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 13

■Original Story

CLAMP "xxxHOLiC"

■ Director

Tsutomu Mizushima

■ Production

・Animation production: Production IG
・Production cooperation: BMG JAPAN, Kodansha, Kids Station, Production IG, Movic, Pyrotechnist ・Production: TBS, Ayakashi Research Society

■Works

©CLAMP・Kodansha/Ayakashi Research Group

■ Story

Let's make something come true this time.

Watanuki Kimihiro, who can see ayakashi, meets Ichihara Yuuko, the owner of a mysterious "store" one day. Yuuko tells him that "this is a store that grants wishes," and when he asks her to make him stop seeing ayakashi, he ends up working for her as "payment." This is the mysterious story of Watanuki and the people connected to him...

*Quoted from Bandai Channel

■Explanation

xxxHOLiC new series production decided!
Due to the popularity of the first series, it has been decided that a second series will be produced.
The main characters, including Watanuki, will continue to be played by the same cast members.
Please look forward to the second series.

*Quoted from the Production I.G official website

■Cast

・Yuko Ichihara/Sayaka Ohara/Kimihiro Watanuki/Jun Fukuyama/Shizuka Doumeki/Kazuya Nakai/Himawari Kuno/Shizuka Ito/Maru/Kazuko Kojima/Moro/Hisayo Mochizuki/Mokona/Mika Kikuchi

■ Main staff

・Original work: CLAMP
Director: Tsutomu Mizushima Series composition: Michiko Yokote, Hima Okawa (CLAMP)
・Character design and chief animation director: Kazuya Kise ・Prop design: Minoru Ueda ・Art director: Hiromasa Ogura ・Color setting: Izumi Hirose ・Director of photography: Yohei Konishi ・Editor: Junichi Uematsu ・Sound director: Kazuhiro Wakabayashi ・Sound production: Fonisia ・Music: SENS Project
・Music Production: BMG JAPAN, AUGUSTA RECORDS
Producers: Yoshihisa Nakayama, Toyoaki Iwasaki, Takuya Matsushita, Naomi Sudo, Katsuji Morishita, Naohiro Oobu, Ikuko Kano Executive Producer: Nanase Okawa Animation Producer: Toru Kawaguchi Animation Production: Production IG
・Production cooperation: BMG JAPAN, Kodansha, Kids Station, Production IG, Movic, Pyrotechnist ・Production: TBS, Ayakashi Research Society

■ Main Characters

・Yuko Ichihara The owner of a mysterious "shop" that grants any wish in exchange for a "price." A powerful witch. While she whimsically manipulates Watanuki, she also watches over his growth.
・Kimihiro Watanuki A boy who can see ayakashi. There is a mystery surrounding the origins of his unique condition. He is kind and hardworking. He is good at housework. He works part-time at Yuko's shop.
Doumeki Shizuka is a quiet and laid-back classmate of Watanuki. He is a member of the archery club. He is the son of a Buddhist priest. He has a rare pure spirit, and although he cannot see ayakashi, he can exorcise them.
Himawari Kuno: A beautiful girl who is a classmate of Watanuki. And someone he admires. Although she has a nice personality, according to Yuuko, she is not someone who brings happiness to Watanuki.
A mysterious girl who lives in Maru Yuuko's "shop." Her full name is Marudashi. She calls Yuuko her master. She has longer hair than Moro and often wears darker colored clothes.
A mysterious girl who lives in Moro Yuuko's "shop." Her full name is Morodashi. She calls Yuuko her master. She has shorter hair than Maru and often wears lighter colored clothes.
・Mokona's official name is Mokona-imitation. He's neither an animal nor a stuffed animal, he's just Mokona. He can eat ghosts and ayakashi. He lives with Yuko. He's quite a heavy drinker.

■Subtitle

・Episode 1: Spider (2008/04/03)
・Episode 2: Left Eye (2008/04/10)
Episode 3: Friendship (2008/04/17)
・Episode 4: Dream Buying (2008/04/24)
・Episode 5: Yuen Kohane (2008/05/01)
・Episode 6: Peace Konohana (2008/05/08)
Episode 7: Mizukumi the Water Cat (2008/05/15)
・Episode 8/Suzune Sasayaki (2008/05/22)
Episode 9: The Leopard (May 29, 2008)
Episode 10: Kizuki (2008/06/05)
・Episode 11: Secret (2008/06/12)
Episode 12: The Truth (2008/06/19)
・Side Story/Okaeshi (2008/06/26)

■ Related works

・Tsubasa Chronicle Seasons 1-2 ・Movie version Tsubasa Chronicle: Princess of the Birdcage Kingdom ・Tsubasa TOKYO REVELATIONS
・Tsubasa: The Tale of Spring Thunder ・xxxHOLiC: The Movie ・xxxHOLiC
・xxxHOLiC Spring Dream Chronicle ・xxxHOLiC Cage ・xxxHOLiC Cage Adayume ・Kobato

■ Theme songs and music

・OP1
・NOBODY KNOWS
Lyrics: Suga Shikao Composition: Suga Shikao Singer: Suga Shikao

・ED1
・Honey Honey feat. AYUSE KOZUE
Lyrics: Naoki Takada & Ayuse
・Composition: Naoki Takada, Shintaro "Growth" lzuts & Ayuse
・Song: SEAMO

■Detailed evaluation and recommendation

■ Story and Theme

"xxxHOLiC◆Sequel" is the second season of the anime series based on CLAMP's popular manga "xxxHOLiC". The story begins when Watanuki Kimihiro gains the ability to see ayakashi, and depicts how his life changes dramatically when he meets Ichihara Yuuko, the owner of a mysterious "shop". In the second season, Watanuki goes deeper into the world of ayakashi and confronts his own growth.

The themes of this work are "price" and "wish." Just as Watanuki has to work at the store in order to make ayakashi invisible, every wish comes with a price. This theme contains a profound message that makes the viewer think about the choices and responsibilities of life. In addition, as Watanuki grows, the relationships he has with the people around him are also depicted, making this a fascinating human drama.

■ Characters

Watanuki Kimihiro is a boy with the ability to see ayakashi, and his purity and growth are at the center of the story. Ichihara Yuuko is a powerful witch, but she is also a kind character who watches over Watanuki's growth. Doumeki Shizuka is Watanuki's friend and a supportive figure. Kunogi Himawari is someone Watanuki looks up to, and is an important character who influences his heart. Maru and Moro are mysterious girls who live in the shop, and their presence gives the story a unique atmosphere. Mokona is a humorous character who adds a light-hearted rhythm to the story.

These characters, each with their own unique personalities, play an important role in supporting Watanuki's growth. In particular, the relationship between Watanuki and Yuuko is one of master and disciple, but also one that gives the impression of a deep bond like that of a parent and child. The portrayal of these characters is one of the reasons that the show deeply moves the viewers.

■Animation and direction

"xxxHOLiC◆Tsugu" features high-quality animation by Production IG. Character design is by Kazuya Kise, who faithfully reproduces the atmosphere of the original work while bringing out the unique charm of the anime. In particular, the depiction of the ayakashi is very realistic, giving the viewer a sense of fear and eeriness, but also beauty.

Director Tsutomu Mizushima has skillfully directed the development of the story and succeeded in drawing the viewers' emotions. The subtitles for each episode were chosen to symbolize the theme and content of the story, and were designed to draw the viewers' interest. The music was also created by SENS Project, and is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story.

■Theme song and music

The opening theme "NOBODY KNOWS" features Suga Shikao's powerful singing voice and impressive melody, and is a song that symbolizes the theme of the story. The ending theme "Honey Honey feat. AYUSE KOZUE" is a song that soothes viewers with SEAMO's gentle singing voice and rhythm. These theme songs play a role in further deepening the worldview of the story.

In addition, the background music by SENS Project is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of each scene. In particular, the music that heightens the tension in the scenes where Ayakashi appear, and the moving melody in the scenes where Watanuki grows up, have the effect of enhancing the emotions of the viewer.

■ Related works and worldview

"xxxHOLiC◆Tetsu" is deeply connected to other works by CLAMP. In particular, the crossover elements with "Tsubasa Chronicle" are a big attraction for fans. Moments where the worlds of both works intersect, such as scenes featuring Watanuki and Yuuko, and the presence of Mokona, give viewers new discoveries and excitement.

You can also gain a deeper understanding of the world of xxxHOLiC by watching other series such as the movie xxxHOLiC: A Midsummer Night's Dream and xxxHOLiC: Spring Dream Chronicle. These related works will help viewers gain a deeper understanding of the background of the story and the relationships between the characters.

■Recommendation

"xxxHOLiC◆Tsugu" is a work that combines deep themes, attractive characters, and high-quality animation and music. I highly recommend it to those who like ayakashi and supernatural elements, and those who enjoy human drama. I also recommend it to those who have enjoyed other works by CLAMP.

This work makes viewers think about the choices and responsibilities in life, while at the same time portraying the growth and bonds between Watanuki and the people around him, giving a heartwarming and moving experience. Please watch it and experience its charm for yourself.